What's Happening?
Connor Ingram, a 28-year-old goalie, will not be participating in the Utah Mammoth's training camp and is anticipated to be placed on waivers, according to general manager Bill Armstrong. Ingram played 22 games for Utah last season before entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on March 9, where he recorded a 9-8-4 record with a 3.27 goals-against average and a .882 save percentage. He was cleared from the program on August 20. Armstrong stated that Ingram will either have the opportunity to play for another NHL team or join an American Hockey League team through the waiver process. Ingram, who won the Masterton Trophy for the 2023-24 season, has previously entered the Player Assistance Program due to depression and an undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third round of the 2016 NHL Draft and has played for the Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, and Utah Mammoth.
Why It's Important?
The decision to place Connor Ingram on waivers is significant for both the player and the teams involved. For Ingram, it represents a chance to continue his professional career, potentially with a new team, after overcoming personal challenges. For the Utah Mammoth, it marks a shift in their goalie lineup, with Karel Vejmelka and Vitek Vanecek expected to form the team's goalie tandem this season. This move could impact team dynamics and performance, as well as Ingram's future in the NHL. The waiver process will determine whether Ingram will continue in the NHL or transition to the American Hockey League, affecting his career trajectory and the strategic decisions of interested teams.
What's Next?
Connor Ingram's placement on waivers will initiate a process where NHL teams can claim him, potentially altering his career path. If unclaimed, he may join an American Hockey League team, continuing his professional journey. The outcome will depend on the interest from NHL teams and their assessment of Ingram's capabilities and past performance. Teams will weigh his perseverance and dedication, as demonstrated by his Masterton Trophy win, against his previous statistics and personal challenges. The decision will also influence the Utah Mammoth's roster and goalie strategy for the upcoming season.
